416 FRUIT CULTURE FOR PROFIT. 



could conduct the epicure to the sorts with richest flavour 

 as well as the growers for market to the most abun- 

 dant bearers. From that period to the present time I 

 have always had in hand quantities of fruit trees, part of 

 the produce of which has been sent to the market. I have 

 planted scores and visited hundreds of orchards, and lived 

 to see some of the former arrive at a productive and pro- 

 fitable state. 



With these preliminary remarks, I proceed to consider 

 the subject under the following heads: (i) Climate and 

 Situation; (2) Soils; (3) Sorts; (4) Cultivation; (5) 

 Gathering, Storing, and Marketing ; (6) Holdings ; (7) 

 Statistics. 



i. Climate and Situation. Above all things should be 

 avoided a climate in which spring frosts are more than 

 ordinarily frequent or severe. A mild equable climate, 

 fairly dry, free from sudden changes of temperature, and 

 storms of wind and rain, should be taken in preference. I 

 do not believe in planting apples, pears, cherries, and 

 plums in the bottom of valleys. This is often done on 

 account of the quality of the soil. But it is of little benefit 

 to the grower to realise a good growth, the natural results 

 of a good soil, and abundant flowering, if his crop is 

 destroyed in the flowering state by the spring frosts. 

 Over the last few years there has been a wonderful show 

 of blossom on the fruit trees in the valley of the Lea, but 

 little fruit has followed, owing to the destruction of the 

 embryo by the severity of the spring frosts in this low 

 situation. This is the one point in climate that would 

 seem to render such a situation unsuitable for fruit culture 

 for profit, as it can be but partially amended by shelter or 

 any other means. It seems to me that many important 

 points desirable to secure success, which are well known to 

 those who are thoroughly versed in these matters, have not 

 yet taken hold of the general mind, and they cannot be too 

 often repeated till they do this. Only a few years ago I 

 was surprised to meet with an orchard, newly planted, at 



